Golden Dragon Quest in SMT V Vengeance

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance expands the post-apocalyptic JRPG experience with challenging sidequests that test your demon fusion skills and battle prowess. Among these, The Golden Dragon’s Arrival stands out as an early yet demanding quest in the Minato region of Da’at. Tasked by a mysterious demon, players must hunt down and vanquish four legendary dragons scattered across the ruined landscape of Tokyo. Success grants valuable experience, unique items, and access to an even tougher superboss encounter.

Quest Overview and Prerequisites

This sidequest becomes available relatively early in the game, but its difficulty scales with higher-level foes, making it ideal for mid-game players. The quest giver, often referred to as Kohryu or a similar golden entity, appears near key leyline points in Minato. To start, players should have unlocked several leylines for efficient navigation in the vast, demon-infested sands.

• Recommended Level: 40-50 for the main dragons; 70+ for the optional Huang Long fight.
• Key Rewards: 30,000 EXP, Dragon Talisman, dragon essences for fusion.
• Region: Minato (first Da’at area).

Preparation is crucial. Stock up on fire, ice, force, and electric skills across your party. Debuffs like Rakunda and Tarunda prove invaluable against these tanky bosses. Ensure your Nahobino and demons resist common elemental attacks like ice and force.

Locating the Quest Starter

Begin by fast-traveling to the Onarimon Leyline. Exit the enclosure and proceed through a narrow passage guarded by Aitvara demons—those bird-like foes with fire affinities. Beyond the tunnel, veer right and climb the steep sand dune to a cliffside overlook. Interact with the golden demon at the edge to accept the challenge: seek out Xuanwu, Baihu, Zhuque, and Qing Long.

While accessible before finishing Minato’s main story, delay until you’ve cleared nearby threats and leveled up. The initial dragon is manageable at level 23, but others demand level 43+ parties.

Hunting Xuanwu: The Turtle Guardian

Xuanwu, the black tortoise of the north, lurks near the Kamiyacho Leyline. Head north along a road that bends eastward. At the eastern terminus, scan for a large enemy marker—Xuanwu patrols this street end.

Battle Tactics

Level 23 with immense defense, Xuanwu shrugs off physical hits but crumbles to fire. Ice attacks from the boss require ice-resistant demons.

• Lead with Agi spam and Rakunda to pierce defenses.
• Equip fire users like Jack Frost or Pixie variants.
• Avoid pure physical teams; defense is too high.

Victory yields Xuanwu’s Essence, usable for powerful fusions. Return to the quest giver after all dragons fall.

Conquering Baihu: The White Tiger Ambush

The fierce Baihu, tiger of the west, prowls south of the Nagatacho Leyline, near the Tokyo Diet Building. Trek south-southwest; it often ambushes travelers with its high-speed charges.

Battle Tactics

Level 43 powerhouse with electric assaults and agility focus. Exploit force weakness and confuse susceptibility.

• Bring Zan/Zanma users; Tarukaja on boss backfires due to agility.
• Electric blockers essential—Oni or Thunderbird shine.
• Debuff attack and speed early.

Baihu’s Essence unlocks new fusion options, enhancing your party’s versatility.

Defeating Zhuque: The Vermilion Bird

Zhuque, phoenix of the south, nests west of Tokyo Tower Leyline. Hug the southern-curving wall to a peninsula-like outcrop in the desert expanse.

Battle Tactics

Level 43 magic behemoth blocking fire, weak to ice and charm. Masukunda boosts evasion; Dekunda cleanses debuffs.

• Ice spam with Bufu/Mabufu; fire resistance mandatory.
• Limit debuffs—Dekunda resets them.
• High magic demands MP management.

Claim Zhuque’s Essence for fire-immune fusions.

Vanquishing Qing Long: The Azure Dragon

The elusive Qing Long, dragon of the east, circles a rooftop south of Hamamatsucho Leyline. Cross rail tracks east, climb to the dilapidated building’s roof—it flies overhead periodically.

Battle Tactics

Level 45 aerial terror weak to electric, blocking force, resisting ice. Wind Breath and Bufula hit hard.

• Mazionga chains; sleep for free turns.
• Ice/force absorbers like Parvati.
• Debuff heavily—susceptible to all ailments.

Qing Long’s Essence completes your dragon set.

Claiming Rewards and the Ultimate Challenge

Report to the golden demon with all four essences for 30,000 EXP and the Dragon Talisman, boosting dragon affinities. This triggers an optional battle with Huang Long, a level 78 golden dragon. Its immense power demands endgame prep—multi-hit electrics, debuff stacking, and maxed essences.

Huang Long resists most elements, nulls ailments initially, and unleashes party-wide nukes. Fuse a balanced team with pierce physicals and almighty backups.

Strategic Tips for Success

• Fusion Planning: Use essences to inherit weaknesses/resists tailored to Minato threats.
• Exploration Aids: Larger map icons denote dragons; scout from leylines.
• Party Composition: Versatile stock—rotate for each fight.
• Incense/Skills: Luster Candy for buffs; Omagatoki for crits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I do this quest early?

Yes, but dragons beyond Xuanwu are tough pre-level 40. Grind subquests first.

What if I miss a leyline?

Backtrack via world map; leylines unlock progressively.

Huang Long too hard?

Level 70+ party, electric pierce, and debuffs. Separate guides exist for strats.

Essences for what fusions?

Unlock unique dragons like Fafnir; check Cathedral of Shadows.

Why Tackle This Quest?

Beyond loot, it hones mechanics central to SMT V: exploitation chains, fusion optimization, and boss endurance. Minato’s dragons foreshadow tougher Da’at trials, preparing you for Abscesses and alignments.

In Vengeance’s enhanced world, this quest ties into new canon paths, offering replay value across choices.